Outside plant fiber distribution enclosure with radial arrangement

ABSTRACT

A telecommunications optical fiber distribution system is disclosed. The system comprises a support structure defining a longitudinal axis. A plurality of fiber optic signal splitters are arranged radially with respect to the longitudinal axis defined by the support structure, each fiber optic signal splitter including a signal input location and a split signal output location. A plurality of adapters mounted to the support structure are arranged radially around the longitudinal axis defined by the support structure. Each adapter includes a first connection end for receiving a connector terminated to an output cable extending from the output location of the splitter and a second connection end for receiving a connector terminated to an outgoing distribution cable.

FIELD

The present invention relates generally to provision of optical fibertelecommunications service. More specifically, the present inventionrelates to packaging of a fiber distribution system.

BACKGROUND

Outside plant (OSP) telecommunications equipment, including terminationsand splitters, may be housed in protective enclosures out of doors. Theenclosures may be above-ground. Below-ground solutions are known whichstore the equipment in a below-ground vault. The vault is typicallyaccessible through a top door.

As demand for telecommunications services increases, optical fiberservices are being extended into more and more areas. Often, it is morecost effective to provide for greater service capacity than currentdemand warrants. This will allow a telecommunications service providerto quickly and cost-effectively respond to future growth in demand.Often, optical fiber cables may be extended to a customer's premisesprior to that customer actually requesting or needing service. Suchcables may be extended to premises adjacent the premises of a currentcustomer, as it may be cost effective to extend both cables at the sametime, or the cables may be extended to new building sites inanticipation of the new occupants of those sites requesting fiber opticservice.

Therefore, it is desirable to have an easily scalable solution foraiding connection of new customers to existing connections within apiece of installed connection equipment and expansion of the number ofconnections available within the installed equipment. It is alsodesirable to provide for a scalable connection solution that can providefor a high density of connections while using little space, that limitsvisual pollution, and that is reliable and easy to service. In the caseof below-ground vault storage, it is desirable that the equipment bereadily accessible as needed by the service technician.

SUMMARY

The present invention relates to a fiber optic telecommunicationsdistribution system and the packaging thereof. The fiber optictelecommunications distribution system includes a packaging structurethat allows for radial positioning of a plurality of splitter modules toprovide a high-density packaging system. The fiber optictelecommunications distribution system also includes radially arrangedadapter modules each with an array of adapters for optically connectingtwo fiber optic cables terminated with connectors.

In one embodiment, the adapter modules may be placed directly underneaththe splitter modules. Arranging the splitter modules and the adaptermodules in a circular fashion allows the distance from the splittermodule outputs to the adapter modules to be essentially equal, thereforeeliminating the need for excess slack cable and excess cable storagearea. This arrangement, in turn, provides for a high density fiberdistribution system that is small in size and weight, and allows forservice access to the distribution system.

An outside plant cable is routed through the fiber distribution systemwherein the splitter modules split the signal into a plurality of outputcables. The plurality of output cables are directed to the adaptermodules. Customer equipment cables are connected to the output cablesthrough the adapter modules. For those customers who are currently notready to accept and utilize fiber optic connectivity service, aremovable service blocker may be used between the output cables and thecustomer equipment cables for blocking illumination.

A variety of additional inventive aspects will be set forth in thedescription that follows. The inventive aspects can relate to individualfeatures and combinations of features. It is to be understood that boththe foregoing general description and the following detailed descriptionare exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the broadinventive concepts upon which the embodiments disclosed herein arebased.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of a fiber optic telecommunications distributionsystem, the system shown mounted to a sidewall of an underground vault;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the fiber optic telecommunications distributionsystem of FIG. 1, with a mounting bracket of the system shown in apivoted orientation for allowing access to parts of the system adjacentthe sidewall of the vault;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the fiber optic telecommunicationsdistribution system of FIG. 1, the distribution system shown in a fullyenclosed configuration;

FIG. 3A is cross-sectional view taken along line 3A-3A of FIG. 3, with aV-clamp with an O-ring shown;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the fiber optic telecommunicationsdistribution system of FIG. 1, the distribution system shown with thecover of the enclosure removed to provide access to inner components ofthe system;

FIG. 5 is a side view of the fiber optic telecommunications distributionsystem of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a front view of the fiber optic telecommunicationsdistribution system of FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a top view of the fiber optic telecommunications distributionsystem of FIG. 4;

FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the fiber optic telecommunicationsdistribution system of FIG. 4;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the fiber optic telecommunicationsdistribution system of FIG. 4, shown with all splitter modules, adaptermodules, and radius limiters removed from the system;

FIG. 10 is a side view of the fiber optic telecommunicationsdistribution system of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a center support structure of the fiberoptic telecommunications distribution system of FIG. 9 and the base towhich it is mounted, the center support structure shown with thesplitter module mount and the adapter module mount removed from thesystem;

FIG. 12 is a top view of the center support structure and the base ofthe fiber optic telecommunications distribution system of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a splitter module mount adapted forbeing mounted to the center support structure of FIGS. 11-12;

FIG. 14 is a top view of the splitter module mount of FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the splitter module mount of FIG. 13mounted on the center support structure of FIGS. 11-12;

FIG. 16 is a side view of the center support structure, the base, andthe splitter module mount of FIG. 13;

FIG. 17 shows an exploded view of one splitter module, the matingadapter assembly, and one radius limiter exploded from the splittermodule mount of FIG. 13;

FIG. 18 shows the radius limiter and the adapter assembly mounted to thesplitter module mount of FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is a top view of the splitter module mount of FIG. 18;

FIG. 20 is a top view of an adapter module mount adapted for beingmounted to the center support structure of FIGS. 11-12, the adaptermodule mount is shown with all of the adapter modules removed except forone adapter module and corresponding connectors, with the adapter moduleextended;

FIG. 21 is a side view of the adapter module mount of FIG. 20, with theadapter module retracted;

FIG. 22 is a close-up of a portion of the adapter module mount of FIG.20 showing the guide rails of the adapter module mount;

FIG. 23 shows the adapter module mount with all of the adapter modulesand corresponding connectors mounted thereon;

FIG. 24 shows two fully-loaded adapter module mounts mounted on thecenter support structure of the fiber optic distribution system of FIG.9, the adapter module mounts being positioned in an offset orientationwith respect to each other;

FIG. 25 shows a top view of the fiber optic distribution system of FIG.24;

FIG. 26 is a back, top perspective view of the radius limiter structureof FIGS. 17-19;

FIG. 27 is right side view of the radius limiter structure of FIG. 26;

FIG. 28 is a left side view of the radius limiter structure of FIG. 26;

FIG. 29 is a back view of the radius limiter structure of FIG. 26;

FIG. 30 is a top view of the radius limiter structure of FIG. 26;

FIG. 31 is a bottom view of the radius limiter structure of FIG. 26;

FIG. 32 is a perspective view of the splitter module of the fiber optictelecommunications distribution system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 33 is a perspective view of the adapter assembly of FIGS. 17-19,the adapter assembly being adapted to be mounted to the radius limiterstructure of FIG. 26 and mate with connectors of the splitter module ofFIG. 32;

FIG. 34 shows a perspective view of a service blocking structure adaptedfor use with the fiber optic telecommunications distribution system ofFIGS. 1-33, the service blocker being adapted for blocking the fiberoptic signal between an outside plant cable and a customer equipmentcable;

FIG. 35 is an exploded view showing an adapter, two fiber opticconnectors, and the service blocker of FIG. 34 positioned between one ofthe connectors and the adapter; and

FIG. 36 is a perspective view showing the adapter, the two fiber opticconnectors, and the service blocker of FIG. 35 in an assembledconfiguration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to examples of inventive aspects ofthe present disclosure which are illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings. Whereever possible, the same reference numbers will be usedthroughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

Referring to FIGS. 1-2, a side view of a fiber optic telecommunicationsdistribution system 100 having examples of inventive aspects inaccordance with the present disclosure is shown mounted in anunderground vault 102. The underground vault 102 might be located in anarea where fiber optic connectivity for customers is desired. It shouldbe appreciated that the inventive aspects of the disclosure areapplicable to above-ground as well as below-ground applications.

The fiber optic telecommunications distribution system 100 is sealed byan enclosure 104 that is defined by a base tray 106 and a cover 108. Asdepicted, the base tray 106 and the cover 108 include mating abuttingflanges 110 that are adapted for receiving a V-clamp 112 with an O-ringfor forming a water-tight seal (see FIG. 3A). Such clamps are commonlyknown in the art. In this manner, any water that might be present in theunderground vault 102 does not reach the inner components of the fiberoptic telecommunications distribution system 100.

The base tray 106 of the enclosure 104 includes a mounting bracket 114attached to a bottom side 116 of the base tray 106. The mounting bracket114 is used to mount the enclosure 104 to a sidewall 118 of theunderground vault 102. The mounting bracket 114 is formed from twointerfitting U-shaped plates 120, 122 (see FIG. 2). The first U-shapedplate 120 is fixedly attached to the sidewall 118 of the undergroundvault 102, while the second U-shaped plate 122 is pivotably coupled tothe first U-shaped plate 120. In the depicted embodiment, the secondplate 122 is bolted to the bottom side 116 of the base tray 106. Byproviding pivotability, the mounting bracket 114 allows access toportions of the fiber optic telecommunications distribution system 100that are adjacent to the sidewall 118 of the vault 102.

In the depicted embodiment, the second U-shaped plate 122 slides withrespect to the first U-shaped plate 120 along a curved groove 124 andwhile pivoting about a hole 126 defined at a side 128 of the first plate120. The groove 124 includes an L-shape to provide a locking feature forthe mounting bracket 114 when the bracket 114 is in a non-pivotedorientation. To pivot the enclosure 104 from the non-pivoted position ofFIG. 1 to the pivoted position of FIG. 2, the second plate 122 is liftedupwards to disengage the second plate 122 from the tip of the L-shapedgroove 124 and then pivoted downwards about the hole 126. The hole 126includes a slotted shape to accommodate for the locking/unlockingfeature of the mounting bracket 114.

FIG. 3 illustrates the enclosure 104 of the fiber optictelecommunications distribution system 100. FIGS. 4-8 illustrate thefiber optic telecommunications distribution system 100 with the cover108 of the enclosure 104 removed, exposing the inner components of thedistribution system 100.

Referring generally to FIGS. 4-8, the fiber optic telecommunicationsdistribution system 100 includes a plurality of radially arrangedsplitter modules 130. The splitter modules 130 split the optical signalof each cable of a multi-fiber cable 132 (i.e., outside plant cables orOSP cables or feeder cable) that enter the system 100 through the bottom116 of the enclosure 104 and redistribute the signal throughdistribution cables 134.

System 100 includes fiber terminations between customer equipmentdistribution cables 134 and splitter outputs 138. Splitter outputs 138and distribution cables 134 are terminated with connectors. Theconnectors are mated at adapters 220 in a lower portion of system 100.Mounted underneath the splitter modules 130 are two rows of radiallyarranged adapter modules 136 that are positioned between splitteroutputs 138 and the customer equipment distribution cables 134. Adaptermodules 136 hold the adapters 220 noted above. The fiber optictelecommunications distribution system 100 also includes radiallyarranged radius limiter/cable management structures 140 that are locatedbetween the splitter modules 130. As will be discussed in further detailbelow, the radius limiters 140 are configured to manage the cables 142coming out of the outputs 138 of the splitter modules 130 and direct thecables 142 down to the adapter modules 136 for redistribution.

The fiber optic telecommunications distribution system 100 depicted inFIGS. 4-8 provides a packaging system that provides a scalable solutionfor aiding connection of new customers to existing connections within apiece of installed connection equipment and expansion of the number ofconnections available within the installed equipment. The fiber optictelecommunications distribution system 100 provides a location foroutside plant fiber optic cables 132 to be connected to fiber opticdistribution cables 134 (i.e. customer equipment cables). Thedistribution cables 134 are then led to customer equipment to providefiber optic service and connectivity at the customer's location.

In the distribution system 100 shown in FIGS. 4-8, the outside plantmulti-fiber cable 132 enters the distribution system 100 through anopening 144 at the bottom side 116 of the base tray 106 (shown in FIG.8). Preferably, a sealing arrangement 146 is formed at the cable entryopening 144 at the bottom of the base tray 106. In one embodiment, thefeeder cables 132 may be 12-cable ribbon cables with four ribbons,totaling forty-eight fibers. Individual fibers of the feeder cable 132may then be fanned-out by fan-outs (not shown) and terminated toconnectors. The connectors can then be connected to the radiallyarranged adapter assemblies 148 that are mounted on the radius limiters140. In the illustrated embodiment, such cable terminating connectorsand adapters are SC type connectors and adapters. It is anticipated thatother types, formats, styles and sizes of telecommunications connectorsand adapters may be used.

The adapter assemblies 148 also mate with input connectors 150 of thesplitter modules 130. The splitter modules 130 split each signal intomultiple signals and output cables 142 exit out of the outputs 138 ofthe splitter modules 130. The output cables 142 are also preferablyterminated with connectors 152. The output cables 142 are routed overthe cable management features 154 of the radius limiters 140 down to thetwo rows of radially arranged adapter modules 136. A plurality ofdistribution cables 134 terminated with connectors 156 can then beconnected to opposing sides of the adapter modules 136 for providingsignal to the customers.

For those customers who are currently not ready to accept and utilizefiber optic connectivity service, a removable service blocker 158 (seeFIGS. 34-36) may be used between the splitter output cables 142 and thecustomer equipment cables 134 for blocking fiber optic signal.

As shown in FIG. 11, located within the base tray 106 are fan-outs 160and cable management structures 162. The distribution cables 134 comingout of the lower end of the adapters can be fanned out and put intoribbon cables. The outgoing ribbon cable is represented by referencenumeral 164. The cable management structures 162 located within the tray106 route the fanned-out cables 164 toward the center of the system. Aswith the feeder cable 132, outgoing cable 164 also forms a sealingarrangement 166 with a second opening 168 at the bottom side 116 of thebase tray 106.

Arranging the splitter modules 130 and the adapter modules 136 in acircular fashion, preferably positioning the splitter outputs 138 towardthe center 170 of the circle, allows the output cables 142 to beconnected to the radially arranged adapter modules 136 with similarlengths of cables extending from each splitter module 130. With thedistance from the splitter module outputs 138 to the adapter modules 136being essentially equal, need for excess slack cable or excess cablestorage space is eliminated. This arrangement, in turn, provides for ahigh density fiber distribution system that is small in size and weightand allowing for service access to the distribution system. The outputs138 are located adjacent a central axis 90 of system 100. In theillustrated embodiment, the outputs 138 can be extended to any desiredadapter module 136.

Providing a can/bell-jar type sealed enclosure 104 also prevents anywater in the vault 102 from coming up to the splitter modules 130 due totrapped air within the enclosure 104.

FIGS. 9-10 illustrate the fiber optic telecommunications distributionsystem 100 with all of the splitter modules 130 and the adapter modules136 removed. The fiber optic telecommunications distribution system 100includes a splitter module mount 172 and two adapter module mounts 174a, b (collectively referred to as 174) mounted on a center supportstructure 176 bolted to the base 106. The details of the splitter modulemount 172 and the adapter module mounts 174 will be discussed furtherbelow.

FIG. 11 shows the center support structure 176 of the fiber optictelecommunications distribution system 100. The center support structure176 is used to mount the radial rows of splitter modules 130 and theadapter modules 136. The center support structure 176 includes fasteningholes 178 at the top of the structure 176 for mounting the splittermodule mount 172. The center support structure 176 also includestransverse step portions 180 with fastening holes 182 for mounting thetwo adapter module mounts 174 a, b. The center support structure 176defines a space 184 in the center of the system for accommodating theincoming OSP ribbon cable 132 and the outgoing distribution ribbon cable164. FIG. 12 shows a top view of the center support structure 176 andthe base tray 106 of FIG. 11, illustrating the radially arrangedfan-outs 160 and cable management structures 162 located within the basetray 106.

FIGS. 13-14 show a splitter module mount 172 of the fiber optictelecommunications distribution system 100. The splitter module mount172 is adapted to be fastened to the top of the center support structure176 of FIGS. 11-12 and provide structural support for the splittermodules 130, the radius limiters 140, and the adapter assemblies 148 aswill be discussed in further detail below.

In FIGS. 15 and 16, the splitter module mount 172 is shown mounted tothe center support structure 176 of the fiber optic telecommunicationsdistribution system 100. The splitter module mount 172 includes fourfastening holes 186 located at the center 188 of the mount 172 formounting to the top of the center support structure 176.

FIG. 17 shows an exploded view of the splitter module 130, the adapterassembly 148, and the radius limiter structure 140 exploded from thesplitter module mount 172. The splitter module mount 172 includesradially extending arms 190 and slots 192 defined in the arms 190 forreceiving the splitter modules 130. The slots 192 for receiving thesplitter modules 130 are configured to form keying structures 194 forreceiving the splitter modules 130 in the proper orientation. Referringto FIG. 17, the splitter module edges 196 include flanges 198 that matewith slits 200 defined by the slots 192 of the splitter module mount172. The splitter module mount 172 includes a longitudinal centerextension 202 that provides a snap fit structure for locking thesplitter modules. The longitudinal extension 202 includes a peripherallip portion 204 for mating with tabs 206 of cantilever arms 208 of eachof the splitter modules 130 as the splitter modules 130 are slid intothe slots 192 of the mount 172.

The splitter module mount 172 also includes fastening holes 210 formounting the radius limiters 140. The radius limiters 140 are mounted inbetween the splitter modules 130. As will be discussed further below,the radius limiters 140 provide for cable management of the outputcables 142 coming out of the splitter modules 130 and also provide amounting location for the adapter assemblies 148 that mate with thesplitter modules 130. As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, the radius limiterstructures 140 include a V-shaped sideplate 212 that has a transverselyextending tab 214 with a fastening hole 216 for mounting an adapterassembly 148. The radius limiter 140 and the adapter assembly 148 areshown in a mounted configuration in FIG. 18. Once mounted, the adapterassemblies 148 are aligned with the splitter modules 130 as illustratedin FIGS. 4-6. In the depicted embodiment of the fiber optictelecommunications distribution system 100, the splitter module mount172 is configured for mounting nine splitter modules 130 and nine radiuslimiters 140. Other numbers are also contemplated.

FIG. 20-22 illustrate the adapter module mount 174 of the fiber optictelecommunications distribution system 100. The adapter module mount 174is adapted for providing structural support for and radially mountingthe adapter modules 136 to the fiber optic telecommunicationsdistribution system 100. The adapter module mount 174 includes a centeropening 218 for accommodating feeder cables 132. The adapters 220 aremounted on movable adapter modules 136, which are slidable between aretracted position to an extended position as shown in the FIG. 20. Theadapter module mount 174 includes radially positioned guides or walls222 for slidably receiving the adapter modules 136. The walls 222 defineguide rails 224 for allowing slidable movement of each adapter module136 (see FIG. 22). The slidability of the adapter modules 136 facilitateaccess to the adapters 220 therein and the corresponding cableconnectors 152/156. Sliding adapter modules are described in greaterdetail in commonly owned U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,497,444; 5,717,810; and6,591,051, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated byreference. The slidability feature of the adapter modules 136 enableseasier access to the adapter modules 136 mounted on the center supportstructure 176 of the fiber optic telecommunications distribution system100.

FIG. 23 shows the adapter module mount 174 with all of the adaptermodules 136 and corresponding connectors 152/156 mounted thereon. Theadapter module mount 174 includes four inner flanges 226 located aroundthe center opening 218 of the mount 174, the flanges 226 includingfastening holes 228 for fastening the mount 174 to the center supportstructure 176. In FIG. 24, the center support structure 176 is shownwith two fully-loaded adapter module mounts 174 a, b mounted thereon.Preferably, the two adapter module mounts 174 a, b are identical to eachother. The two mounts 174 a, b are mounted to the transverse stepportions 180 of the center support structure 176. The transverse stepportions 180 of the center support structure 176 are configured suchthat the two layers of adapter modules 136 are positioned in an offsetorientation with respect to each other when mounted on (see FIG. 25). Inone embodiment of FIGS. 20-25, each mount 174 a, b is configured tosupport 24 adapter modules 136, with the two layers totaling 48 adaptermodules 136. And each adapter module 136 is configured to hold 6adapters 220, the fiber optic telecommunications distribution system 100being able to accommodate a total of 288 resident distribution fibers.

FIGS. 26-31 illustrate the radius limiter structure 140 of the fiberoptic telecommunications distribution system 100. As mentioned before,the radius limiter structure 140 is mounted between two adjacentsplitter modules 130. The radius limiter 140 is configured to providecable management for directing the output cables 142 to the adaptermodules 136 and also serve as a mounting location for the input adapterassembly 148 that mates with each splitter module 130. As shown in FIGS.26-31, each radius limiter 140 includes three cable management lanes 230a, b, c for cable routing. The center lane 230 b is raised with respectto the two side lanes 230 a and 230 c. The radius limiter structure 140includes bent fingers 232 for managing the cables 142 from the splittermodule outputs 138 to the adapter modules 136. As mentioned before,since the fiber optic telecommunications distribution system 100provides for a radial arrangement of the splitter modules 130 and theadapter modules 136, output cables 142 of the splitter modules 130 canbe routed to the adapter modules 136 without requiring any slack in thecable 142. The radius limiter structure 140 includes three fasteningholes 234 on each of the right 236 and left sides 238 thereof formounting a V-shaped plate 212. The V-shaped plate 212 (shown in FIGS.4-7 and 17-19) defines a flat sidewall 240 on the right side 236 of theradius limiter 140 and a sidewall 242 with a bent tab 214 on the leftside 238 of the radius limiter 140. The transverse extending bent tab214 provides structural support for mounting an adapter assembly 148.The bent tab 214 includes a fastening hole 216 that receives a mountingscrew 244 of the adapter assembly. The adapter assembly 148 will bedescribed in further detail below.

FIG. 32 illustrates a perspective view of the splitter module 130 of thefiber optic telecommunications distribution system 100. The splittermodule 130 includes a generally rectangular shape with a front end 246,a back end 248, a top end 250, a bottom end 252, a left side 254, and aright side 256. The top end 250 includes cable outputs 138. Locatedadjacent the left side 254 are four input connectors 150 that extendvertically to minimize the thickness of the splitter module 130. Thefour input connectors 150 are adapted to mate with the adapter assembly148 mounted on the radius limiters 140. Once the signal is input intothe splitter module 130 through the four connectors 150, the signal issplit into thirty-two signals by internal splitter circuitry within thesplitter module 130. Each output 138 is constructed to accommodate 16output cables 142. In the depicted embodiment of the fiber optictelecommunications distribution system 100, since nine splitter modules130 are used, a total of two hundred eighty-eight distribution signalscan be provided.

The front 246 and the back ends 248 of the splitter module 130 includeguide flanges 198 for guiding the splitter modules 130 into the slots192 of the splitter module mount 172. A handle 258 is provided adjacentthe top end 250 of the splitter module 130 for facilitating insertionand removal of the splitter modules 130 from the fiber optictelecommunications distribution system 100. A cantilever arm 208 withtabs 206 is provided adjacent the front, top end of the splitter module130. This cantilever arm 208 provides a snap-fit with the longitudinalextension 202 defined on the splitter module mount 172.

The splitter modules 130 and the adapter assemblies 148 are described ingreater detail in commonly owned patent applications entitled FIBEROPTIC SPLITTER MODULE (Attorney Docket No. 02316.2114US01) and FIBEROPTIC ADAPTER MODULE (Attorney Docket No. 02316.2115US01), being filedon the same date as the present application, the entire disclosures ofwhich are hereby incorporated by reference and also U.S. applicationSer. No. 10/980,978, filed Nov. 3, 2004, the entire disclosure of whichis hereby incorporated by reference.

FIG. 33 illustrates an adapter assembly 148 of the fiber optictelecommunications distribution system. The adapter assembly 148 definesfour integrally mounted adapters 260 for connecting the fanned-outoutside plant cables 132 to the input connectors 150 of the splittermodule 130. The adapter assemblies 148 are coupled to the fiber optictelecommunications distribution system 100 via the radius limiters 140.As discussed previously, the mounting screw 244 is used to couple theadapter assembly 148 to the transverse tabs 214 defined on sides 238 ofthe radius limiters 140 and can be removed for cleaning of bottomconnectors.

FIG. 34 shows a perspective view of a service blocker 158 adapted foruse with the fiber optic telecommunications distribution system 100 ofFIGS. 1-33. For those customers who are currently not ready to acceptand utilize fiber optic connectivity service, the service blocker 158 isused to block the fiber optic signal between the output cables 142coming out of the splitter module outputs 138 and the customer equipmentcables 134. As depicted, a first end 262 of the service blocker isconfigured to mate with a connector and a second end 264 is configuredto mate with an adapter. FIG. 35 shows an exploded view showing theplacement position of the service blocker 158 within the signal chain.FIG. 36 shows the adapter, the two fiber optic connectors, and theservice blocker 158 in an assembled configuration.

Once a customer desires fiber optic connectivity, the service blocker158 is simply removed between the output cable 142 and the distributioncable 134 that is connected to a customer equipment. The service blocker158 is described in greater detail in a commonly owned patentapplication entitled FIBER OPTIC SERVICE BLOCKER (Attorney Docket No.02316.2121US01), being filed on the same date as the presentapplication, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated byreference and also U.S. application Ser. No. 11/010,460, filed Dec. 13,2004, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated byreference.

Having described the preferred aspects and embodiments of the presentinvention, modifications and equivalents of the disclosed concepts mayreadily occur to one skilled in the art. However, it is intended thatsuch modifications and equivalents be included within the scope of theclaims which are appended hereto.

1. A telecommunications optical fiber distribution system, comprising: asupport structure defining a longitudinal axis; a plurality of fiberoptic signal splitters arranged radially with respect to thelongitudinal axis defined by the support structure, each fiber opticsignal splitter including a signal input location and a split signaloutput location; and a plurality of adapters mounted to the supportstructure and arranged radially around the longitudinal axis defined bythe support structure, each adapter including a first connection end forreceiving a connector terminated to an output cable extending from theoutput location of the splitter and a second connection end forreceiving a connector terminated to an outgoing distribution cable.
 2. Atelecommunications optical fiber distribution system according to claim1, wherein the support structure is configured to support two horizontallayers of adapters, the adapters radially arranged with respect to thelongitudinal axis.
 3. A telecommunications optical fiber distributionsystem according to claim 2, wherein the two horizontal layers ofadapters are radially offset with respect to each other such that theadapters on a bottom row of adapters do not axially align with theadapters on a top row.
 4. A telecommunications optical fiberdistribution system according to claim 1, further including a sealedenclosure for enclosing the fiber optic signal splitters and theadapters, the enclosure including a removable cover.
 5. Atelecommunications optical fiber distribution system according to claim1, further comprising a plurality of curved cable management structuresarranged radially around the longitudinal axis defining a cable pathfrom the split signal output location in a direction generally radiallyoutward from the longitudinal axis.
 6. A telecommunications opticalfiber distribution system according to claim 1, wherein the fiber opticsignal splitters are housed in splitter modules which are slidablyremovable from the support structure.
 7. A telecommunications opticalfiber distribution system according to claim 6, further including anadapter assembly mounted to the support structure for mating withconnectors extending from the splitter module.
 8. A telecommunicationsoptical fiber distribution system according to claim 7, wherein thesplitter modules mount in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis.9. A telecommunications optical fiber distribution system according toclaim 6, wherein the fiber optic signal splitter modules includecantilever arms with tabs for providing a snap-fit connection with thesupport structure.
 10. A telecommunications optical fiber distributionsystem according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of adapters arehoused in adapter modules, the adapters modules being movable generallyradially outwardly from the longitudinal axis.
 11. A telecommunicationsoptical fiber distribution system according to claim 6, wherein ninesplitter modules are radially arranged with respect to the longitudinalaxis, wherein each splitter module includes thirty-two output cablescoming out of the split signal output locations.
 12. Atelecommunications optical fiber distribution system according to claim11, wherein each of the two horizontal rows of adapters include onehundred and forty four adapters, wherein the adapters are housed inradially arranged modules with six adapters each.
 13. Atelecommunications optical fiber distribution system according to claim1, wherein the connectors and the adapters include an SC configuration.14. A telecommunications optical fiber distribution system according toclaim 6, wherein the split signal output locations are positionedadjacent the longitudinal axis of the support structure, and furthercomprising output cables extending from the output locations of thesplitters to the first connection ends of the adapters all havinggenerally similar lengths.
 15. A support structure for a fiber opticdistribution system, comprising: a generally circular base tray; acenter support structure extending from the base tray, the centersupport structure defining a longitudinal axis; a plate mounted to thecenter support structure, the plate including mounting locations formounting fiber optic splitter modules; a wheel structure mounted on thecenter support structure in between the base tray and the plate mountedto the center support structure, the wheel including radially extendingguides including rails for receiving slidable adapter modules.
 16. Asupport structure according to claim 15, wherein the circular plate isadapted to support nine splitter modules radially arranged with respectto the longitudinal axis.
 17. A support structure according to claim 15,further including two generally circular wheel structures mounted on thecenter support in between the base tray and the plate for supporting thesplitter modules, the two circular wheels being for receiving slidableadapter modules.
 18. A support structure according to claim 15, whereinthe plate for receiving splitter modules includes structure forproviding a snap-fit with the splitter modules.
 19. A support structureaccording to claim 15, wherein the plate for receiving splitter modulesis constructed to house cable management structures mounted in betweenthe splitter modules.